Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Freycinet Aqua Express One-Way Coles Bay to Hazards Beach

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The quickest way between Coles Bay and Wineglass Bay: a half-hour boat ride along the granite coast of Great Oyster Bay to Hazards Beach, then a flat 2 km walk across the isthmus. It's a one-way ticket in the direction you choose, so you can boat out and walk home, or walk in and boat back.

Days

About 30 minutes, one way

Age

No age limit

Group size

Shared water taxi

Start / finish

Coles Bay to Hazards Beach, or Hazards Beach to Coles Bay (one way)

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Catamaran water taxi, beach landing

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Freycinet Aqua Express One-Way Coles Bay to Hazards Beach

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Included experiences

Great Oyster Bay — cruise beneath the granite peaks of the Hazards
Wildlife — look for seals, dolphins, seabirds and whales in season
Isthmus Track — flat 2 km walk through bushland to Wineglass Bay
Wineglass Bay — time on the beach before walking or boating back

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Freycinet Aqua Express One-Way Coles Bay to Hazards Beach

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Itinerary

Map

CHOOSE YOUR DIRECTION

This is a one-way ride between Coles Bay and Hazards Beach, sold in either direction. Boat out and walk home over the hills, or walk in from the car park and let the boat bring you back. Boats run several times a day, from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, and guests at Freycinet Lodge can be collected there. Either way you travel in Southern Edge, a 12 metre catamaran with an enclosed cabin and a bow ramp that folds down straight onto the sand.

THE RIDE: GREAT OYSTER BAY AND THE HAZARDS

The 30 minute run follows the shore of Great Oyster Bay beneath The Hazards, pink granite peaks about 400 million years old, said to be named after a 19th-century whaling captain, Richard Hazard. The crew talk about the area's history and wildlife on the way, so watch for fur seals, dolphins and seabirds, and whales in season. At the beach end you step on or off the ramp, perhaps with wet feet.

HAZARDS BEACH AND THE ISTHMUS TRACK

Look for the shell middens in the dunes behind Hazards Beach, left over thousands of years by the Aboriginal people of this coast. From the beach the Isthmus Track crosses the narrow neck of the Freycinet Peninsula to Wineglass Bay: 2 km of flat, marked path through coastal bush, about half an hour each way, with Bennett's wallabies and echidnas often nearby. Take a few hours on Wineglass Bay's white sand either way.

THE WALKING HALF OF YOUR DAY

Arriving by boat, you walk out of Freycinet National Park on foot: up and over the saddle past the Wineglass Bay Lookout, with its 1,300-odd steps, or around the longer coastal Hazards circuit, about 11 km in all. Starting on foot, you take one of those tracks in from the car park and finish at Hazards Beach for the boat back to Coles Bay. Prefer a return by boat both ways? That's a separate ticket.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Coles Bay boat ramp, Garnet Avenue, Coles Bay, or Freycinet Lodge. Be there 15 minutes before departure.
Departure time: Several sailings a day between about 9am and mid-afternoon; your time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: About 30 minutes on the boat, then about 30 minutes' walk to Wineglass Bay.
Minimum age: No age or height limits.
Fitness: The Isthmus Track is flat and easy. Walking back over the Wineglass Bay Lookout is much harder, with steep steps, and the full circuit is about 11 km and 4 to 5 hours.
Please note: Landings are on the beach: the boat comes in close and you step off a bow ramp, so your feet may get wet. One bag or backpack each. The boat is a water taxi only, so once ashore your walk, safety and timing in the national park are up to you. Services run whether or not the boat is full, and a weather cancellation is refunded in full.

What to bring

Walking shoes and clothes for changeable weather
Water and food for the day
Sunscreen and a hat
Swimmers and a towel for the beach
One bag or backpack per person only

What is included

One-way boat transfer between Coles Bay and Hazards Beach, in the direction you choose
Commentary from the crew on the way
Pick-up from Freycinet Lodge if you are staying there

Not included

Freycinet National Park pass (every visitor needs one; buy it before you go)
The boat for the other leg (a separate ticket)
Food and drink

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.